Picking the Perfect Melba Toast for Your HCG Diet Protocol

The HCG diet has become an increasingly popular way to lose weight quickly. This diet combines taking HCG supplements or injections along with an ultra-low calorie diet of around 500 calories per day.During the low-calorie phase, the diet allows one or two pieces of Melba toast per day. But with so many Melba toast options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your HCG diet? Here’s what you need to know:

What is Melba Toast?

Melba toast is a type of very dry, crispy toast made from thinly sliced bread. It was invented in 1897 by chef Auguste Escoffier for Australian opera singer Nellie Melba, who was on a strict diet at the time1.The twice-toasted bread has a crunchy texture and mild flavor. It contains very few calories per slice, making it a popular accompaniment for soups and salads or as a snack.On the HCG diet, Melba toast provides a small amount of carbohydrates to help stabilize blood sugar levels. The diet’s creator, Dr. ATW Simeons, recommended eating one or two pieces per day during the low-calorie phase2.

Melba Toast Nutrition Facts

A single piece of plain Melba toast contains about3:

• 20 calories
• 4g carbs
• 1g protein
• 0g fat
• 1g fiber

It’s low in calories, fat, and sugar. The small amount of carbohydrates and fiber can help regulate digestion on the very low-calorie HCG diet.

Choosing the Best Melba Toast for HCG

When shopping for Melba toast, look for options that align with the HCG diet guidelines:

• Low calorie – Around 20 calories per slice is ideal. Avoid Melba toasts with added sugars or oils that increase the calorie count.
• Low carb – HCG limits carbs, so find Melba with 4-5g net carbs per slice.
• Whole grain – 100% whole wheat or multi-grain varieties provide more nutrition.
• No added sugar – The HCG diet avoids all forms of sugar. Check labels for sugar or sweeteners.
• Low sodium – Excess sodium causes water retention, so opt for low-sodium Melba.

Some good options include4:

• Arnold Whole Grain Melba Toast
• Pepperidge Farm Very Thin 100% Whole Wheat Melba Toast
• Wasa Hearty Rye Crispbread

Avoid Melba toasts with added flavors, sweeteners, or seasonings. Stick to plain, whole grain varieties that meet the HCG guidelines.

When to Eat Melba Toast on HCG

Most HCG protocols suggest eating one or two pieces of Melba toast per day during the very low-calorie phase. Here are some tips on when to add it to your meals5:

• Eat one piece at lunch and one at dinner.
• Split between meals and snacks. Have one at lunch and save one for an afternoon snack.
• Pair it with protein like egg whites or chicken breast to help stay full longer.
• Use it to add crunch to salads. Break into croutons or crumble on top.
• Enjoy it with morning coffee as a light breakfast.

Melba toast helps satisfy carb cravings during the day. Pay attention to your body’s needs and use it when you feel hungriest.

Other Low-Calorie Crunchy Carbs for HCG

While Melba toast is the standard HCG carb, there are a few substitutions you can try while following the diet’s guidelines6:

• Grissini breadsticks – About 10 calories each.
• Rice cakes or crackers – Look for plain, low-sodium options.
• Flax or chia seed crackers – Provides omega-3s.
• Vegetable crisps – Made from dehydrated veggies like kale or beet.
• Air-popped popcorn – Portion into a small snack-size bag.

When swapping Melba for another crunchy carb, match the calories, carbs, and ingredients closely to stay within HCG limits.

The Bottom Line

Adding a serving of Melba toast to your daily HCG diet can help boost nutrition and make the very low-calorie protocol more sustainable. Stick to plain, whole grain varieties that are low in calories, carbs, sugar, and sodium. Enjoy it with your protein meals or as a snack when carb cravings strike. With so many options to choose from, you can surely find a Melba toast that suits your HCG diet perfectly.

Sources:

1. Britannica – Melba Toast
2. Simeons, A.T.W., Pounds and Inches: A New Approach to Obesity. 1954.
3. MyFoodData – Nutrition Facts